The double bacon king is a popular burger option at Burger King restaurants. For those watching their calorie intake, the double bacon king’s calorie count is an important consideration. In the opening section of this article, we will provide a quick overview of the double bacon king’s calorific information before diving into a more detailed nutritional breakdown in the sections below.
To quickly summarize, a standard double bacon king from Burger King contains about 1380 calories. This is based on a double bacon king with the standard toppings and preparation. The high calorie count is due to the double bacon king’s two beef patties and multiple slices of bacon, as well as other high-calorie ingredients like cheese and mayonnaise-based sauces.
With 1380 calories, the double bacon king contains a substantial portion of the recommended daily caloric intake for most adults. As such, it would be considered a high-calorie menu item. Those looking for lower-calorie options may want to customize their order or choose a different menu item when dining at Burger King.
Nutritional Information for the Double Bacon King
To understand how the double bacon king arrives at its high calorie count, we need to break down its complete nutritional information.
According to the Burger King website, here are the calorie and macronutrient counts in a standard double bacon king:
| Calories: | 1380 |
| Fat: | 99g |
| Carbohydrates: | 47g |
| Protein: | 61g |
As we can see, the majority of the calories in the double bacon king come from fat (99g worth). There are also considerable calories from carbohydrates and protein.
To understand the sources of these macronutrients, we need to look at the double bacon king’s complete list of ingredients:
– Two 100% beef patties
– Bacon slices (quantity varies by location)
– Two slices of American cheese
– Ketchup and mayonnaise-based sauces
– A sesame seed bun
The two beef patties account for much of the protein and fat content. Beef is high in saturated fat and calories. The bacon, cheese, and specialty sauces like BK’s “sauce” and “bacon mayo” also contribute significant fat and calories. The bun accounts for most of the carbohydrate content.
Given these high-calorie core ingredients, it is no surprise that the standard double bacon king from Burger King packs a whopping 1380 calories.
Daily Calorie Recommendations
To determine if 1380 calories is “a lot” for one sandwich, we need to consider standard daily calorie recommendations.
The average daily calorie intake recommendation for adults is:
– Men: 2500 calories
– Women: 2000 calories
However, optimal calorie intake depends on many factors like age, activity level, and health goals. The recommendations above are just general guidelines.
For a sedentary man, 1380 calories would equal over half their daily recommended intake. For a sedentary woman, it would be close to 70% of their recommendation. Even for more active individuals, a 1380 calorie sandwich is a substantial meal.
As a general rule, single meals above 750 calories are considered high in calories. So at nearly double that amount, the double bacon king is unequivocally a high-calorie menu option. Eating one would likely put most people well over their recommended daily total.
Comparing the Double Bacon King to Other Burger King Sandwiches
The double bacon king is one of the highest calorie options at Burger King. Here is how it compares to some other standard Burger King burgers:
| Whopper: | 670 calories |
| Whopper Jr: | 380 calories |
| Chicken Sandwich: | 470 calories |
| Veggie Burger: | 370 calories |
As the comparisons show, the double bacon king contains about twice the calories of a standard Whopper and over 3 times the calories of the veggie burger.
The only comparable high-calorie item on the menu is the Bacon King sandwich, which clocks in at 1150 calories. However, the double bacon king still contains 230 more calories than the Bacon King.
Clearly, adding the double patty and extra bacon in the double bacon king pushes its calorie count well above most other options. Those concerned about their calorie consumption should consider a lower-calorie alternative.
Customizing Your Double Bacon King Order
If you wish to enjoy a double bacon king while limiting calorie intake, certain customizations can help:
– Opt for a single patty instead of the double patty. This saves you about 250 calories.
– Remove the mayonnaise-based sauces. The “sauce” and “bacon mayo” account for about 90 calories each.
– Ask for fewer slices of bacon. Each slice of bacon adds about 45 calories.
– Order a lower-calorie side like apple slices instead of fries. This saves you another 230 calories.
– Request a lettuce wrap instead of a sesame seed bun to cut about 200 calories in carbohydrates.
Implementing some of these tweaks can potentially bring your double bacon king down to around 800 calories. While not exactly low-calorie, these changes make it a bit more diet-friendly.
Although keep in mind that customizing removes ingredients that are signature to the double bacon king experience. You may be better off ordering a different sandwich altogether if limiting calories is your priority.
Health Impact of Consuming a High-Calorie Sandwich
Now that we have covered the calorie count, is eating a 1380 calorie sandwich actually that bad for you? Does it really matter if it is just occasional?
Unfortunately, regularly consuming extremely high-calorie items can negatively impact your health, even if it is not an everyday habit. Here are some potential effects of frequently eating sandwiches with calorie counts like the double bacon king:
– Weight gain – If eaten often, the extra calories can quickly add up and lead to weight gain over time. To burn off 1380 calories through exercise takes hours of intensive activity.
– Increased risk of obesity – Obesity rates continue to rise in the US and are linked to high-calorie diets. The more excess calories consumed, the more likely you are to become obese.
– Higher cholesterol and blood pressure – The saturated fat in the double bacon king can drive up cholesterol levels and blood pressure, increasing risk of cardiovascular disease.
– Higher likelihood of type 2 diabetes – Excess calories and weight gain increase the risk of developing insulin resistance, which can eventually result in type 2 diabetes.
– Increased inflammation – High saturated fat, sodium, and calories can all cause increased systemic inflammation in the body. This is linked to issues like heart disease.
– Decreased life expectancy – Studies consistently show that regular overconsumption of calories, fat, and sodium takes years off your life expectancy.
While an occasional indulgence may be fine, making a habit of consuming high-calorie sandwiches multiple times a week carries real health risks. Moderation is key for those who want to enjoy the double bacon king.
Healthier On-the-Go Fast Food Options
If you eat fast food frequently but still want to maintain a healthy diet, the double bacon king and similar high-calorie sandwiches may need to be avoided.
Fortunately, most major fast food chains now offer healthier alternatives. Here are some lower-calorie fast food options to consider instead:
Salads
Most chains offer salads with lots of vegetable toppings and lighter dressings. E.g.,Burger King’s garden salad with vinaigrette dressing has just 220 calories.
Grilled Chicken Sandwiches
A chicken breast without heavy sauces or cheese will cut your calorie count significantly. Burger King’s grilled chicken sandwich has just 340 calories.
Veggie Burgers
Going meatless is an easy way to limit calories and fat. The BK Veggie at Burger King contains 370 calories and much less saturated fat.
Yogurt Parfaits
The parfaits at chains like McDonald’s contain yogurt, fruit, and granola for around 300 calories. They make a filling and nutrient-rich meal.
Oatmeal
Choose unsweetened oatmeal options with fresh fruit added instead of sugary toppings for a hearty breakfast under 300 calories.
With some simple substitutions, you can still enjoy grabbing a quick bite from your favorite fast food spot while maintaining a healthy diet and calorie intake.
The Bottom Line
To summarize this detailed look at the double bacon king’s calories:
– A standard double bacon king from Burger King contains about 1380 calories
– This high calorie count is due to its two patties, multiple slices of bacon, cheese, sauces, and bun
– With 1380 calories, the double bacon king exceeds most people’s recommended daily intake in just one sandwich
– It has around double the calories of a standard Whopper
– Customizing your order can reduce the calorie count somewhat
– But regular consumption of sandwiches this high in calories can lead to weight gain and negatively impact your health
– So those concerned about their diet or calorie intake should consider lower-calorie fast food options
While an occasional double bacon king may be fine, restraint is advisable. And for those who eat fast food often, lighter menu items are widely available. Just paying attention to calorie counts and nutritional information can go a long way towards making better choices.
